Yakuza Leader, Takeshi Ebisawa, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on March 3 2026 by a New York court. U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon handed down the term in Manhattan federal court. Moreover the judge ordered five years of supervised release. Subsequently she directed that authorities deport Ebisawa to Japan once he completes the sentence.
Judge Considers Age During Hearing
Prosecutors had requested a 30 year term. However defense lawyers argued for 10 years. In addition U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon explained her decision. “Given your age I think 30 years is too much” she said. “I sentence you to 20 years in prison after which you should be deported to Japan.”
Takeshi Ebisawa spoke through a Japanese interpreter. Consequently he stated “I apologize for my conduct. I admire the US.”
Undercover Operation Uncovers Global Network
The Drug Enforcement Administration launched its investigation in 2019. As a result agents arrested Takeshi Ebisawa on April 4 2022.
Furthermore an undercover agent posed as a narcotics and weapons trafficker. Therefore Ebisawa introduced the agent to his network that stretched across Japan, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Over three years the group negotiated four major deals. Meanwhile Thai authorities helped seize nuclear samples in February 2022.
Ebisawa Offered Nuclear Material for Weapons
Ebisawa tried to sell uranium and plutonium to someone he believed was an Iranian general. In exchange he sought surface to air missiles for use by insurgent groups in Myanmar.
Subsequently laboratory tests later confirmed the samples contained weapons grade plutonium. Moreover Ebisawa also planned to supply heroin and methamphetamine for distribution in New York.
In addition he inspected weapons in Denmark and laundered 100 000 dollars in drug proceeds from the United States to Japan.
Prosecutors Highlight National Security Threat
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stressed the dangers. “The illicit trafficking of nuclear materials is an existential threat to every New Yorker and every American” he said.
Furthermore U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton added “Takeshi Ebisawa tried to sell uranium thorium and plutonium to fuel a purported nuclear weapons program along with deadly drugs destined for U.S. streets. In exchange Ebisawa hoped to procure battlefield weapons for insurgent groups and profit for himself.”
Officials Praise International Cooperation
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg credited the team. Consequently he stated “Takeshi Ebisawa has been held accountable for his crimes including an attempt to sell weapons grade plutonium to Iran and to flood New York with deadly narcotics.”
In addition DEA Administrator Terrance Cole noted the broader impact. Therefore he stated “Todays sentence should send a clear message. Threatening the United States by trafficking nuclear materials narcotics and military grade weapons will trigger an uncompromising response.”
